Search for whales after beaching (Australia)

Four whales were beached on the shore in Busselton. Photo : Lincoln Bertelli/Busselton-Dunsborough Mail

January 16, 2013 (Rania Spooner). Two whales broke free of large slings during an attempt to return four of the creatures to the ocean after they beached on the shore in Busselton.

Wildlife workers were closely eyeing the south west coastline on Wednesday over fears the two whales would return and “re-strand”.

The ordeal began when four gray beaked whales beached themselves on the shore in front of Busselton Hospital, Tuesday afternoon.

Volunteers were able to free two of the whales before Department of Environment and Conservation authorities arrived about 3pm, by simply pushing them back into the water.

But the remaining two proved a far slippier challenge.

The DEC used a Sea Search and Rescue boat to winch the whales out to sea on large slings.

But before authorities could carry them to the safety of deep water, the pair broke free and vanished in the choppy waters.

Concerns are mounting they could “re strand”, something whales tend to do when they are released back into the water too close to the shore, a DEC spokeswoman said.

“The conditions are very choppy, they haven’t been seen since they escape the sling, they could be anywhere, they could be close,” the spokeswoman said.

“They may re strand – it is a risk.”

A pod of 19 pilot whales were beached along the Bussleton coastline in 2005.

The DEC are keeping an eye on things and asking for anybody who spots the whales to call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.

Source

Update 01/20/2013 : Beached whale not strong enough to survive